EDC Memory Module Segmentation for Flexible Error Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory modules require additional overhead and larger size when error detection is enabled, necessitating separate manufacturing for EDC-protected and non-EDC-protected systems, limiting flexibility and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An error detection code (EDC) memory module is coupled to a standard data memory module via a bus, allowing a single, standard data memory module to be used in both EDC-protected and non-EDC-protected systems, with the EDC module providing corresponding EDC words without increasing the data memory size, and optionally storing both EDC and data words, maintaining a compact size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If error detection code (EDC) words are stored in a dedicated area within the memory module, then error detection capability is improved, but memory module size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The memory module is segmented into distinct memory locations, with specific locations designated for EDC words and others for data words. This segmentation allows the EDC functionality to be integrated without requiring a separate dedicated area, thus avoiding increased module size while maintaining error detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The memory module is designed to serve multiple functions: it can store both data words and EDC words in its existing memory locations, and can operate in both EDC-protected and non-EDC-protected modes. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate manufacturing versions while providing error detection when needed.
2Reliability
If memory modules are manufactured as different versions for EDC-protected and non-EDC-protected systems, then error detection reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single universal memory module design incorporates the capability to function in both EDC-protected and non-EDC-protected systems. The module includes memory locations that can store EDC words and uses control logic that responds to configuration signals to enable or disable EDC functionality, eliminating the need for separate manufacturing versions.
Solution Approach 2:
The memory module incorporates dynamic configuration capability through control logic that can enable or disable EDC functionality based on external configuration signals. This dynamic adaptability allows the same hardware to serve different system requirements without requiring separate manufacturing versions.
3Reliability
If overhead is added to allow EDC configuration, then error detection capability is improved, but memory capacity for data words decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The memory module is segmented into memory locations that can be dynamically assigned for data word storage or EDC word storage based on configuration. This segmentation allows flexible allocation of memory space without requiring fixed overhead areas, maximizing data storage capacity while maintaining EDC capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The memory module employs dynamic configuration that allows memory locations to be allocated for EDC words only when EDC functionality is enabled. When EDC is disabled, all memory locations are available for data word storage, thus avoiding permanent overhead and maximizing data capacity in non-EDC modes.
Data Source
AI summary
An error detection code (EDC) memory module coupled via a bus to a data memory module. In response to a request for data words from a specified memory address within the data memory module, the data memory module provides a predetermined number of data words and the EDC memory module provides a corresponding EDC word.